The Road to Emmaus versus the Road to Damascus

The following is the text from The Underground sermon preached on May 15, 2011. Normally these messages are recorded, but we had technical difficulties.

The Road to Emmaus versus the Road to Damascus

Prologue, part 1

[ Introduction ]
Grace and peace to you! Good evening church! Welcome to our friends listening to the podcast online.

What a journey we have been on. This is our second to last gathering studying the book of Luke. Next week (don’t miss next week) we will conclude, and then we have some stuff planned for June 5^th and for the Summer.

As we begin, let’s pray together.

Todd Bentley is not on God's side

The following was written by Pastor Tim Snell from Christ's Church of the Valley in Appleton, Wisconsin. He writes regarding Todd Bentley. I agree with Reverend Snell on this matter.

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 7:15

One of the most consistent warnings God’s people are given throughout scripture is to be aware of false teachers and false prophets.  These people not only introduce teachings into the church which are incompatible with Biblical Christianity, they also operate under demonic spirits that are to have no part in our lives today.

Certainly all of us can point to examples we have personally experienced.  However, I want to highlight one … because we have one such teacher coming to our Valley…and we in the body need to be warned.

Here is the scoop.  Starting the first full week of June, Todd Bentley is coming to town.  Todd is well known for several things which should cause flags to go up … and then cause us to ultimately run away.  First of all, Todd is known for his healing revivals during which he claims God tells him to punch people in the face and kick them as a part of healing them!  Yikes!   Beloved in Christ, this is not from the Lord!  God simply does not tell people to do this.  However, even more troubling is Bentley’s character and morality.  Just about 2 or 3 years back Todd was leading one of the biggest “revivals” in our nation down in Florida.  During the time he was leading this revival, he was sleeping with one of this ministry associates.  Ultimately then, rather than repenting, he divorced his wife and married the gal he was having the affair with.  Of course, he claimed that God was “restoring him” even as he married this other gal.   

Church of God, be warned!  Todd Bentley is operating under a spirit other than God’s Holy Spirit.  Do NOT go to hear him.  Do not be taken in by those who say that this is all okay.   Opening yourself up to this man is to open yourself up to something quite dangerous spiritually.

CCV, I want all of us to follow hard after the Lord.  I also want us to have a discerning heart and mind about what often happens under the banner of “Christianity.”  Not everything “Christian” is of Christ.  By staying vigilant in prayer and by keeping our feet planted on the Word of God, we can avoid the spiritual dangers the scripture warns us about.

What Bible should I give to my son or daughter?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

I recommend the New Living Translation for students and new believers who are unfamiliar with the Bible. If one is extremely unfamiliar with the Bible and would not call themselves "a good reader," then start off with The Message Re-Mix (a paraphrase). From there advance to NLT and then once proficient add NASB or ESV into the mix.

 

A great Christmas/Easter/Birthday/Graduation/Confirmation gift is a NLT Life Application Study Bible.

What version of the Bible should I use for preaching?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

When preaching, I generally use the New Living Translation, unless I have found that a different or literal version better illustrates or speaks to a key point based on which word is chosen. I may find that the idea in the NLT is accurate, but may feel compelled that the precise word is lacking and so go to the ESV or even NIV.

I remember one pastor preached a message and based a key point of the sermon on a word that was only in the NLT translation. He told everyone to underline that word in their Bibles. He didn't realize that it wasn't in everyone's Bible, because he had only used the NLT to study.

The NLT is great for preaching from, because it was designed to be easily understood language. As a listener who is not familiar with scripture, it is far easier to understand what is being said when it is being read from the NLT than from the ESV or even New King James.

Paschal Homily

This is the Paschal Homily from St. John Chrysostom, followed by "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher. Christ is risen, indeed!

If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let them enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival.

If anyone is a grateful servant, let them, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord.

If anyone has wearied themselves in fasting, let them now receive recompense.

If anyone has labored from the first hour, let them today receive the just reward.

If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let them feast.

If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let them have no misgivings; for they shall suffer no loss.

If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let them draw near without hesitation.

If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let them not fear on account of tardiness.

Beautiful Painting

This painting was a gift to my wife and I from a student at our church whom we love very much. Thanks!

What version of the Bible should I study from?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

So, you're a preacher just getting started in the world of exegesis and hermeneutics and you're wanting to eschew prooftexting and eisegesis. Wonderful. You wonder "What version of the Bible should I study from?"

 

The answer is: multiple Bibles. I recommend using a good literal translation (NASB, ESV) or an interlinear (Greek/Hebrew + English) in order to be able to look up the words and their possible definitions (using Strong's Concordance). You see, in the interlinear Bible, you will see numbers above each Hebrew or Greek word. This number corresponds to a number in Strong's Concordance. Look up that number in Strong's and you'll have a list of other occurrences of that exact word.

 

Then you can look that word up (helpfully, by number) in a lexicon. The lexicon is like a dictionary of possible definitions and uses of the original word.

 

From their, you are able to assemble your notes and thoughts on what the original text meant.

 

In addition to the literal translation, I recommend using a version of the Bible that is in language you can understand easily, such as the New Living Translation, New International Version, or even the Message (a paraphrase). Use these in combination with the NASB or ESV.

Matt Maher's Grey Shirts

I recently mused about Matt Maher's grey shirts on Twitter:

@Adam Posegate Wondering if @mattmahermusic just has one grey shirt he washes over and over again, or many. Either way, I am intrigued.

It's primarily because the only time I saw him live, and in the only videos I saw of him, he was wearing grey shirts.


And all the videos here... http://www.mattmahermusic.com/journey/

So, despite Mr. Maher's assurances, I feel this was a fair question.

@adamposegate I don't currently own a gray shirt. But I have many shades of black #isitthehair?

Though, it might be the hair. Thanks, Matt! You're a good sport, and I also want to thank you for your worship leading and writing. Praying for you.

My Rough Conclusions on Rob Bell's "Love Wins"

“And God let heretics vex His Church so as to arouse the mind by conflict, and to lead it to search God's Word.” – Abraham Kuyper, The Work of the Holy Spirit

Having read Rob Bell’s previous works, “Velvet Elvis,” “Jesus Wants to Save Christians,” his many Nooma short-films, and even my familiarity with his preaching, I looked forward to what would be revealed about his doctrine and theology in his new book, “Love Wins.” The phrase, “Love Wins,” is years-old and apparently on bumper stickers adorning vehicles all over the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, where Bell is the pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. With all of that being noted, this will not be a dissection and exegesis of the book. Read the book, or don’t, but as with any teaching, discern it carefully. I hold the strong belief that if you are going to judge the book, then you should first read it. This mitigates the need for backpedaling, apologies, blog updates, flux capacitors, forget-me-now amnesia pills, the proverbial eating of proverbial birds, and the subtle proverbial sweeping of things under proverbial rugs (that being said, I will update this as is necessary). It is okay to be informed. This is a brief version of my review and conclusions.

The Source - Session #2

Spiritual Leadership Principles - Chet Caudhill

Hebrews 12:1 is a reference to Hebrews 11

Abel - Worship

1. Leaders don't offer God their leftovers. They realize He deserves our very best in everything we endeavor.

Enoch - intimacy

2. If you desire to lead others in spiritual growth, you must be growing yourself.

Noah - Righteousness

3. Leaders must stand for what's right in spite of what others do or don't do. Leadership necessitates a willingness to stand up for what you believe in.

4. Leaders must be confident in their leadership abilities and decisions. Obedience is the key.

Isaac - Romance

5. Leaders turn to God for direction and guidance.

Jacob - Persisitence

6. Leaders must have a "never-say-die" attitude

Joseph - Dreamer

7. Leaders dream, communicate the dream, unwilling to give up.

Moses - Deliverer

8. Leaders have the courage to say "yes" in spite of the risks.

The greatest enemy to faith is FEAR!

1 John 4 - love.

From Chaperon to Shepherd - notes

Jeremy Chapman from Germantown

Relational Discipleship

Shepherding is all about relationship

Chaperones versus Shepherds

Chaperons

• Respond to needs
• Doing it because they get something out of it (it feels good)
• Monitors
• Control
• Operates via rules
• Responds to situations
• Watchers of others
• Hired hand
• Clueless at ministry

Shepherds

• Doing it because of the call
• Inspires
• Leads
• Engages via relationship
• Proactive
• Investors in others
• Has a sense of ownership
• Understands the power of every minute

Passages mentioning shepherding

Psalm 23

John 10, 21

Acts 20:28

1. Awakened - Become aware of those who have sheperded

2. Realize your impact.

A shepherd

• Is patient with sheep
• Loves his sheep (love is feeling with actions)
• Knows his sheep. Who are you praying for? (should be praying for your leaders)
• Values his sheep.
• Never underestimate the average.
• Some people are labeled "Extra Grace Required"
• Sheep are sheared, not scalped
• They are sacrificed, not slaughtered
• Observes his sheep
• Feeds his sheep
• Hungry sheep are unhappy, noisy
• Knows the best fields to graze in during the right season
• Knows the condition of the flock
• Is an abundance creator
• There are servant leaders & shepherd leaders
• Vision leaks from holey vessels, so we have to keep bringing that back up. It's not a one and done sort of deal.
• Always speeks well of his sheep
• Pursues his sheep
• Rests with his sheep (but does not rest during adversity)
• Is the authoritative guide

Jeremiah 3:15

Questions:

What's the next level for you?

What models/mentors are you looking to?

Have faith to follow, and lead by example. (Are you smoking what you're rolling?)

The Source Youth Leaders Conference 2011 - Session #1

Chet Caudhill - National Speed the Light Director

Imagine...

- Quote from J. Robert Oppenheimer regarding the creativity and imagination of children.

There are children playing in the streets who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.

• Quoted at Vision '65 "New Challenges for Human Communications", 21-23 October 1965 and published in v 65: New Challenges for human communications, Volume 4, International Center for the Typographic Arts, Southern Illinois University (1965), p. 221

Risk involves failure.

What happens if we influence a generation to not believe?

Obstacles

- Discouragement from Others

- Disappointment - what you do to yourself

- Exhaustion

- Inadequacy

 

Briefly mentioned Ephesians 3:13-21

Give, Give, Give it All - A Message on Stewardship

This message was preached on January 9, 2011, at The Underground. It is posted here because the recording equipment failed.

Give, Give, Give it All

What We're Made For, part 8

Text: Luke 21:1-4

Topic: We are made to give

Tonight we are going to discuss giving. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Oh great, another sermon about tithing and giving more money to the church. Wake me when the music starts.” I know that’s how I get when I hear someone is going to preach about giving-- and I’m a pastor! Pastors rely the people in their congregation being committed and obedient givers in order to get paid. In order to buy groceries. In order to put gas in their cars. But there is something that is so much more important than a pastor making you feel bad for not giving an offering. Giving and stewardship are important parts of our discipleship, and we should never ignore it or tune it out. In fact, even if you’ve heard a sermon on the same subject, or even the same passage of scripture more times than you can count, when you approach the message with a heart that anticipates God speaking to you, then he will. I promise you that. When you say, “God, open my heart and my mind to understanding you in a new way today,” and you believe that he will, then he will. Be ready to take plenty of notes, because I’m going to be jumping all over the place tonight.

Stop Keeping Secrets!

"Stop keeping secrets from our world."


Tell your world from Dan Herod on Vimeo.